Postcard Press Picks: REI Rewilding Projects

Postcard Press Picks:

REI Rewilding Projects

Did you know that the average American spends 90% of their life indoors? This statistic really puts into perspective of how much we’re missing out on seeing the world or simply being outside. Don’t get discouraged; it’s not entirely for lack of trying! Eighty percent of the U.S. population live in urban areas. Sometimes it can be tough to get out and enjoy nature if it takes a week of planning and an hour drive to do so!

REI, the outdoor recreation store, noticed this pattern and decided to do something about it. REI took its time to partner with communities in different cities and invest over $8 million in these long-term rewilding projects.

Photo by Callistus on Unsplash

So, what exactly is a rewilding project and what cities will begin to develop them first? Simply put, the projects are about integrating the outdoors into people’s daily lives. For example, nature meeting people at their workplaces, schools, and residences.

According to REI, five regions presented great opportunities to invest in rewilding projects: completing the Bay Area Ridge Trail in the San Francisco Bay area, improving the San Gabriel National Monument in the Los Angeles area, reimagining outdoor recreation in Southeast Chicago, creating multi-use trails in around Metro D.C, and connecting the South Park and Georgetown neighborhoods of Seattle and building outdoor recreation areas around the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River near Seattle.

Photo by Carl Winterbourne on Unsplash

These are just a few of the new ideas coming out of the rewilding projects! Check out this article to see more details about this amazing philanthropic project.

Are there any new projects your region is developing to combine urban living with enjoying nature and the outdoors? Are there any places you think could use the help of the rewilding project? Let us know! And, don’t forget to pin!